Shannon Ashley Scott

On January 4, 2026, Shannon Ashley Scott, age 29, passed away after sustaining severe injuries in a motor vehicle accident that she could not overcome. She was with her mother, Mary Keiran, at the time, who was also mortally injured. As in life, they stayed together in death, never to be separated.

Shannon was a sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, niece, and best friend to those around her, including the many animals that crossed her path. She especially enjoyed spending time with her sister, Stephanie Scott, and her nephew, Wyatt Fritzler. Shannon loved attending all of Wyatt’s sporting events and was his biggest cheerleader. She cherished their time together going to the arcade and go-kart racing, creating joyful memories filled with laughter.

Her light and laughter were contagious to all who met her, whether it was with her trainer, Liz, and her horses at Rhythm of the Horse Therapeutic Riding Center, or the many dogs that surrounded her—at home with Nathan and Madi, at Camp Bow Wow where she worked, her cousin Morgan’s dog Mango, and of course Layla at her mom’s home. During low moments in her life, Shannon turned to animals for comfort and peace.

Shannon’s short 29 years made an impact on everyone around her. Her caregivers, Madi and Nathan Fralic, adored Shannon. Her cousins Zoe (her champion) and Morgan (like a big sister) took her under their wings to spend time hiking, swimming, or just hanging around. Shannon loved all things sports. Her dad, Steve, spent Sundays with her doing all the things Shannon liked to do. Her mom, Mary, and stepfather Erik taught her about traveling the world. In addition to multiple trips to Mexico, she cruised the Mediterranean, visiting Rome and the wonders of Europe. The highlight of her travels was going to Florida to visit Liam Thomas, her best friend and boyfriend of many years.

Shannon was born in Tampa, Florida, on August 20, 1996. In 1998, she moved to Longmont, Colorado, with her family, attending various schools in the area. When she was diagnosed with Asperger’s Autism and other disabilities, her mother’s protective instinct kicked in. To help Shannon navigate life, Mary became actively involved in the autism community, working with a group of parents to create a handbook on navigating the system with an autistic child. They called themselves The Cadre.

Shannon’s life eventually smoothed out with the help of her caregivers, Madi and Nathan, allowing her a bit of independence with their guidance. She loved all things Transformers and got her first job at Camp Bow Wow in Longmont, spending her days with the dogs she loved so much. Her mother’s lifelong love of horses became Shannon’s as well. They became steadfast members of the therapeutic riding community and settled at Rhythm of the Horse in Weld County. Her trainer, Liz Polanco, became one of Shannon’s best friends. Her gift as the Animal Whisperer truly shined when she was able to calm and halter a very cranky mule named Moose—the first person ever able to do so. Liz was overwhelmed by Shannon’s accomplishment. This will be her legacy.

Shannon’s passing brought hope to others, as she qualified as a tissue, bone, and eye donor through Donor Alliance Denver. She brought new life and hope to more than 70–75 individuals through her generous donation.

She is survived by her father, Steven Scott of Longmont; her sister, Stephanie Scott of Greeley; and her nephew, Wyatt Fritzler of Greeley. She is also survived by her stepfather, Erik Bernstein of Longmont; cousins Zoe Wilson (Clark Sperry) of Arvada and Morgan Wicker (Ryan Wicker) of Longmont; her many aunts and uncles across the country; and most especially her boyfriend, Liam Thomas of Jacksonville, Florida.

Two lives cut short far too soon.

A Celebration of Life for Shannon will be held in the spring. Information will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to:

Rhythm of The Horse: www.rhythmofthehorse.org

Wild Animal Sanctuary: https://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org/donate